The Bone Season

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

As history tells it, Jack the Ripper was the demented heir to the throne who unleashed a plague of clairvoyance on the world through his evil actions and deeds, ripping a gateway through the veil.

Now, more than 100 years later, London and parts of Europe are ruled with an iron fist by Scions who try to purge the world of these voyants, who are often never seen again.

Of course, there is a bustling illegal underground of these people who can touch the aether in varying ways. The main character, Paige, is one of the strongest and rarest, employed and famous as the “Pale Dreamer.” Until she is captured, that is, and finds herself slave in a city no one knows exists.

The world was very fully realized and I could tell a lot of care and attention went into fleshing it out fully. It fell into the trap of “mysterious man wants plucky woman but can’t dare have her, but by God is there romantic tension” romance that is far too cliche at this point. Also there were no real surprises after she settles in to her new life, I saw everything coming. Still, a fun ride for the most part.

I would be interested in seeing where the world continues, though hearing its planned seven books was quite daunting, I hope the story can hold up to the task.

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Comments

You are a lot kinder than I am because I felt this book was a disjointed mess. So many characters, unnecessary terminology (if it’s a gun, why not call it a gun?), and the world-building felt in-cohesive. You’re totally right about the romantic tension feeling forced and dare I say, a little creepy?

In all fairness I do think the author has talent. This book felt rushed and in need of editing so maybe given a bit more time she could turn it around?

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